1. Doubtless it is not profitable for me to boast. So I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2. I knew a man in Christ over fourteen years ago—whether in the body or out of the body I cannot tell, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
3. And I knew that such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I cannot tell, God knows—
4. was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible words not permitted for a man to say.
5. Of such a person, I will boast. Yet of myself I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.
6. For if I desire to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But now I resist, lest anyone should think of me above that which he sees me to be or hears from me.
7. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8. I asked the Lord three times that this thing might depart from me.
9. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in hardships, in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
11. I have become a fool in boasting. You have compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for I am in no way inferior to the leading apostles, though I am nothing.